Pass LD 2007: When the Wabanaki Thrive, We all Thrive

We are proud to submit the testimony below to the Judiciary Committee and stand in alignment with the Wabanaki Alliance. Dear Senator Carney, Representative Moonen, and members of the Judiciary Committee, My name is Terence Miller and I am the Advocacy Director at Preble Street. I am writing to testify in support of LD 2007: … Read more

Take Action Now: Permanent Funding for Shelters

Significant and ongoing funding is needed to keep Maine’s professional, low-barrier shelters open. On Friday, February 23, 2024, the Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs will consider funding for emergency shelters and low-barrier shelters. Please reach out to the AFA committee, using the drafted email below or with a personalized email. You can refer to the bottom of the … Read more

Housing People Takes Investment, Not Magic

We have said before that the reasons why people experience homelessness are complex, but the solutions are not. Ensuring that people can access stable and safe housing and maintain that housing is the solution to homelessness.  Preble Street created its Rapid Re-Housing program (RRH) in 2020 to move more people from homelessness to permanent housing. … Read more

More than Just Pottery

Art is Healing “Start at the bottom and pinch and turn uncluttered. And slowly work your way up. And you want a pretty thin wall.” It’s a cold Wednesday morning in January, but inside Elena’s Way Wellness Shelter, it’s bright and warm. In the shared area, tables are pulled together, and 10 clients and staff … Read more

Take action: Support funding for low-barrier shelters

At a time when homelessness is exploding across Maine and when tragic encampments have popped up throughout the state, Maine’s critically important low-barrier shelters are in danger of closing due to lack of sustainable funding. Currently, there are only five low-barrier shelters in Maine, run by four organizations: Bangor’s Hope House Health & Living Center in Bangor, … Read more

Portland gathers for Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigil and honor the 45 people who died in 2023

A vigil to remember friends from the Greater Portland homeless community who have died this year took place last night. For almost 30 years, Portlanders have gathered to mourn the many lives that were cut short, and to commit to changing the broken systems that allow so many of our neighbors to fall through the … Read more

What can you do in one year? A look at Preble Street impacts in 2023: Curbside Winter 2023/24

Three Preble Street programs celebrated their first year of operation in 2023! Elena’s Way, a Preble Street Wellness Shelter Elena’s Way serves the needs of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, individuals unable to access other shelter services, and individuals who are extremely vulnerable should they be unsheltered. At Elena’s Way, guests have control of their own … Read more

Low-Barrier Shelter Funding Testimony by Mark Swann to Joint Select Committee on Housing

Delivered December 5, 2023 Good morning, Senator Pierce, Representative Gere, and members of the Joint Committee on Housing, thank you so much for inviting me to speak to you today. My name is Mark Swann, and I am the Executive Director at Preble Street, a nonprofit human service agency with over fifteen programs serving the … Read more

Contact Portland City Councilors to ask them to stop the sweeps and continue to work on solutions that will move people to shelter and housing

On Monday, November 20, 2023, at 5 pm, the Portland City Council will consider an ordinance amendment drafted by City Councilors Anna Trevorrow and Roberto Rodriguez that will effectively place a moratorium on encampment sweeps and lift the “emphasis” area designations through April 30, 2024. Please reach out to Portland City Councilors to ask them … Read more